Question 1

What is the general adaptation syndrome and why did Hans Selye propose it?

Accepted Answer

Hans Selye proposed the general adaptation syndrome (GAS) to describe the body's consistent pattern of responding to stress through three predictable stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. GAS explains how the body mobilizes defenses against perceived threats and why prolonged stress can lead to health problems. This model helps psychologists understand the physiological mechanisms underlying stress responses.

Question 2

What happens to the immune system during the alarm stage of stress?

Accepted Answer

During the alarm stage, the body experiences temporary shock as stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol are released. Although these hormones prepare the body for quick response, they simultaneously suppress the immune system, increasing vulnerability to infections and illness. Physiological resistance drops below normal levels during this initial phase.

Question 3

How does the body adapt during the resistance stage of stress?

Accepted Answer

In the resistance stage, the body increases hormone production to defend against ongoing stress. The anti-inflammatory hormone cortisol is released to reduce physical injury effects, and the immune system functions more effectively to combat infections. The body stabilizes its defenses and maintains relatively high efficiency despite persistent stress.

Question 4

What are the consequences of reaching the exhaustion stage?

Accepted Answer

During exhaustion, prolonged stress depletes energy reserves, causing physical and mental fatigue. The body's heightened vulnerability leads to serious health consequences including cardiovascular diseases, immune dysfunction, and potentially mortality. Continuous stress activation without recovery causes irreversible damage to vital organs and systems.

Question 5

How do stress hormones affect the body's ability to fight infections?

Accepted Answer

During the alarm stage, stress hormones weaken immune function, increasing infection risk. However, during the resistance stage, the body counteracts this by increasing hormone production and releasing cortisol to reduce inflammation, allowing the immune system to combat infections effectively. This adaptation enables the body to maintain defense despite ongoing stress.

Question 6

Why is the general adaptation syndrome important for understanding chronic stress effects?

Accepted Answer

The general adaptation syndrome explains how the body's stress response progresses through predictable stages and why chronic stress becomes harmful. Understanding these stages helps identify when stress transitions from manageable to dangerous, revealing why prolonged stress leads to serious health conditions. This framework guides stress prevention and stress management techniques to interrupt the exhaustion stage.

Question 7

What role does cortisol play across different stages of the stress response?

Accepted Answer

Cortisol is released during both the alarm and resistance stages but serves different functions. In the alarm stage, it contributes to immune suppression, while in the resistance stage, cortisol acts as an anti-inflammatory hormone that reduces physical injury effects and enhances the body's ability to cope with challenges. This dual role reflects the body's adaptive stress response.

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